Everything you need to know about wagering requirements, max bet rules, game contributions, and how bonuses differ by country.
Casino bonuses look generous on the surface — "Get €200 free!" — but the fine print determines whether the bonus has any real value. Most no-deposit and welcome bonuses are structured so the casino retains a statistical edge even after you claim them. Understanding the terms lets you decide whether a bonus is worth taking at all.
Matched deposit bonus for new players. E.g. "100% up to €200" means a €200 deposit gives you €200 extra. The total €400 is subject to wagering requirements.
Spins on specific slots at a fixed value (usually €0.10–€0.20 per spin). Winnings are typically capped and subject to wagering.
Free cash or spins with no deposit needed. Small amounts (€5–€25), high wagering, low max win. See our No-Deposit Bonus Guide.
Offered to existing players on subsequent deposits. Usually smaller match percentage (25%–50%) than the welcome bonus.
A percentage of net losses returned as bonus cash. E.g. 10% cashback on weekly losses. Often lower wagering (1x) making it genuinely valuable.
Points earned on real-money play, convertible to bonus cash. Value depends on conversion rate — typically 0.1%–0.5% return on bets.
The wagering requirement (also called playthrough requirement) is the number of times you must bet the bonus amount before any winnings can be withdrawn.
Formula: Bonus Amount × Wagering Multiplier = Total Bets Required
Almost every casino bonus includes a maximum bet per spin/round while the bonus is active — typically €5 per spin on slots. Exceeding this limit, even accidentally, can void your entire bonus balance and all associated winnings.
Not all games count equally toward wagering requirements. Slots typically contribute 100%, while table games contribute much less or nothing at all.
100% contribution in almost all cases. The intended game for clearing bonuses.
Typically 10%–20% contribution, or excluded entirely. A €10 bet counts as €1–€2 toward wagering.
Usually 10%–20%, sometimes excluded. European Roulette almost always restricted due to low house edge.
Typically excluded completely from bonus wagering. Don't try to clear a bonus on live tables.
Often excluded or 10% contribution. High RTP makes it a poor fit for bonus clearing.
Frequently excluded or 5%–10% contribution. Progressive jackpot games are usually restricted.
Bonuses expire — typically 7 to 30 days from activation. If wagering is not complete by the deadline, the bonus and any associated winnings are forfeited. Check the expiry window before activating a large bonus.
Most bonuses cap how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings — typically €50–€200 for no-deposit bonuses, and 3x–5x the bonus amount for welcome bonuses. You may win €500 from a bonus but only be permitted to withdraw €100.
Bonuses can be voided if you: exceed the max bet, use a VPN to misrepresent your location, open duplicate accounts, or withdraw real-money funds before completing wagering (this converts the bonus to a forfeited state at many operators).
KSA Regulated The KSA enforces strict bonus marketing rules. Operators cannot use bonuses as a primary acquisition tool and must ensure bonuses are not offered to players showing signs of problem gambling.
See our Netherlands casino guide.
UKGC Regulated The UK has the strongest consumer-protection bonus rules globally. The UKGC's Gambling Act Review introduced significant restrictions in 2023–2024.
State-by-state Each licensed US state sets its own bonus rules. Generally, US market bonuses have lower wagering requirements than European equivalents — often 1x–15x rather than 20x–40x.
iGaming Ontario regulated Ontario's iGO framework includes bonus advertising standards. Other provinces have limited regulation of offshore operators' bonus terms.
Always verify the operator holds a valid licence before claiming any bonus. See our legality guide for regulators by country.